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Mastering Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds: Moves and Combos Guide

Author : Leo

May 14,2025

In *Monster Hunter Wilds*, achieving the perfect balance between offense and defense can be challenging, but the Sword and Shield offers a versatile solution. This weapon excels in both attacking and defending, making it an excellent choice for hunters of all skill levels. Here's how to maximize your effectiveness with the Sword and Shield in *Monster Hunter Wilds*.

Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Sword and Shield is a reliable weapon that can swiftly transition you from defense to offense. Its versatility, mobility, and damage potential make it ideal for both beginners and seasoned hunters. Whether you're dodging attacks or striking back, this weapon has you covered.

All Moves

Command	Move	Description
Triangle/Y	Standard Attack	A basic sword attack that can be chained into a 4-hit combo. Use the analog stick during the combo to adjust your position.
Circle/B	Special Attack	Use the analog stick with Circle/B for a Shield Attack that inflicts stun damage. Press Circle/B alone for a powerful Lateral Slash.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B	Advancing Slash	An upward slash performed while moving forward. Use it while sliding downhill or towards a ledge for a terrain-specific attack.
Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo)	Roundslash	A wide-area slash that allows quick directional changes. Chain it from certain attacks to execute the powerful Spinning Reaper.
Holding down Triangle/Y + Circle/B (During Combo)	Charged Chop	A powerful leaping attack. Hitting a monster's soft spot can cause multiple damage instances. The attack's power increases when used after specific moves.
Forward on analog stick + Circle/B	Shield Attack	Use the shield to bash enemies, dealing stun damage, especially when targeting the head.
Push back analog stick + Circle/B (During Combo)	Backstep	Backstep during combos to evade monster attacks. Press Triangle/Y during a Backstep for Perfect Rush, a multi-hit attack that can inflict elemental damage and ailments. Press Triangle/Y when the sword flashes to boost damage.
Circle/B During Backstep	Charged Slash	After a Backstep, a Charged Slash lets you jump high. Follow up with aerial attacks like Jumping Slash (Triangle/Y) or Falling Bash (Circle/B).
Hold down R2/RT	Guard	Guard against attacks with your shield. A well-timed guard results in a Perfect Guard. Follow up with Triangle/Y for a quick, powerful Counter Slash.
R2/RT + Triangle/Y	Sliding Swipe	An easy-to-execute attack that quickly closes the distance to your target.
R2/RT + Square/X	Use Item	Use certain items while your weapon is unsheathed.
L2/LT + R1/RB	Focus Strike: Vital Stab	A stabbing attack effective against wounds. After hitting wounds or weak points, press Triangle/Y for a Falling Slash or Circle/B for an Upswing Bash.

Combos

Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds Combos Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

For players aiming to deal significant damage while staying agile, mastering these key combos is essential.

Lateral Slash Combo

Start with a Lateral Slash (Circle/B), followed by Return Stroke (Circle/B), Spinning Rising Slash (Circle/B), then transition into Spinning Reaper (Triangle/Y + Circle/B) and finish with a Charged Chop (Hold Triangle/Y + Circle/B). This combo delivers high damage quickly and keeps you mobile.

Shield Bash Combo

To knock down your target, initiate the Shield Attack combo by moving forward on the analog stick and pressing Circle/B, followed by two more Circle/B inputs, and conclude with a Guard Slash (R2/RT + Circle/B). This is particularly effective when targeting a monster's head, often leading to a knockdown after a few repetitions.

Perfect Rush Combo

The most potent combo for the Sword and Shield, the Perfect Rush, should be your primary strategy. Begin with any attack, then Backstep (Push back analog stick + Circle/B), followed by Leaping Slash (Triangle/Y), into Perfect Rush (Triangle/Y), Scaling Slash (Triangle/Y), and end with Falling Bash (Circle/B). Timing is crucial; watch for the red flash on your hunter to maximize damage.

Related: How to Capture Monsters in Monster Hunter Wild

Sword and Shield Tips

Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds Tips Image Source: Capcom via The Escapist

Leverage the Sword and Shield's unique blend of speed and defense with these tips:

Vary Your Attacks

To quickly take down monsters, alternate between fast sword attacks to build elemental damage and shield attacks to inflict stun damage, especially when opportunities arise.

Dodging and Guarding

When defense is key, use Guarding and Backstep effectively. Master the timing for Perfect Guards to negate damage and use Power Clashes to push back monsters. Backstep not only evades attacks but also sets up counterattacks. Practice your spacing and timing to outmaneuver your foes.

Focus Strikes

As you inflict more wounds on monsters, utilize Focus Strikes to capitalize on these vulnerabilities. With the Sword and Shield, you can follow up with either a Falling Slash for multiple hits or an Upswing Bash, which can be chained into a Falling Bash to increase stun damage.

Item Usage

A unique advantage of the Sword and Shield in *Monster Hunter Wilds* is the ability to use items without sheathing your weapon. This feature allows for quick healing or supporting allies, keeping the pressure on your targets.

These are the essential strategies for mastering the Sword and Shield in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. For more tips and guides, be sure to check out The Escapist.

*Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*